BROOKLYN – Today, a coalition of Brooklyn elected officials sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging immediate action to save critical services and medical training at the State University of New York’s Downstate Medical Center (Downstate) and its affiliates.

Downstate faces a major operating deficit, and a significant restructuring is necessary for the institution’s survival. Downstate’s Long Island College Hospital has already laid off 150 employees; over 400 more Downstate employees will receive contract-mandated notice of future layoffs this month, with over a thousand layoffs expected in the next year. This will lead to a massive cut in services and the ability to train medical professionals in Brooklyn.

Broad Coalition of Brooklyn Elected Officials Urge Long-Term Plan to Keep All Campuses Open

BROOKLYN – Today, a broad coalition of Brooklyn elected officials joined 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), nurses and caregivers, and community members to rally in support of SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Long Island College Hospital (LICH), and the hospital’s other affiliates – which are vital to Brooklyn’s already-underserved residents.

Last week, an audit released by the New York State Comptroller’s office made clear that there is a fiscal crisis at SUNY Downstate and its affiliated institutions. The elected officials are arguing that the potential closure of any campus is unacceptable, and that SUNY must develop a stabilization plan that provides a long-term solution to preserve critical diversity in medical education, quality healthcare, and good jobs for Brooklyn and the entire state.

NEW YORK -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in Cobble Hill and its surrounding communities, testified at the State University of New York's public board meeting on Downstate Medical Center and LICH.

BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement upon the SUNY Board of Trustees vote to authorize Downstate's president to propose a plan to the New York State Department of Health that could close Long Island College Hospital (LICH) and sell off the hospital for real estate development:

BROOKLYN -- State Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Long Island College Hospital (LICH) and its surrounding communities, released the following statement upon the State University of New York's decision to withdraw its closure plan for LICH. Instead of pursuing the closure plan, SUNY will work on securing a sustainability plan without an active closure plan on the table -- creating the possibility of collaborative process:

It's good news that SUNY is withdrawing its closure plan for LICH. Now there's a real opportunity for a collaborative process that engages the community and local leaders on LICH's future.

We've been making our voices heard loud and clear: LICH is vital to Brooklyn. And it's clear we're being heard.

Brooklyn -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement upon Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Carolyn Demarest's ruling to vacate the 2011 order that approved the State University of New York (SUNY) as the operator of Long Island College Hospital (LICH):

"For months, we've fought to keep LICH open for care as SUNY tried to sell it off for parts.

NEW YORK -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced legislation that would standardize the income tax return checkoff donation programs, bringing the prostate cancer fund in line with others and ensuring that the donations -- which are currently sitting unspent, waiting to be disbursed by a questionable organization that has lost its tax-exempt status -- go to their intended use. The Squadron legislation follows a report released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli that highlighted a number of gaps in the tax checkoff programs, including the major issues with the prostate cancer fund.

"As federal, state and city elected officials, we stand together against SUNY's latest attempt to turn LICH into a luxury condo deal. As we have consistently said, SUNY, Governor Cuomo, and the NYS Department of Health must support a new, more open, and expedited process to solve the crisis at LICH -- in order to ensure the best possible outcome for Brooklyn.